System and method for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device location procedures

ABSTRACT

A system and method for effectively performing enhanced device location procedures to determine the current physical location of a mobile device includes a plurality of satellites that wirelessly transmit satellite beacon signals, a plurality of base stations that wirelessly transmit pilot signals, and a plurality of access points that wirelessly transmit access-point beacon signals. A location detector of the mobile device coordinates a device location procedure by measuring the satellite beacon signals, the pilot signals, and the access-point beacon signals to generate corresponding satellite information, base station information, and access point information. The location detector analyzes the satellite information, the base station information, and the access point information to select an optimal system configuration from the most effective satellites, base stations, and access points. The location detector then utilizes the optimal system configuration to accurately calculate the current physical location of the mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of, and claims priority in, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/731,588 entitled “System And Method ForEffectively Performing Enhanced Mobile-Device Location Procedures” thatwas filed on Mar. 30, 2007, and also of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/586,992 entitled “System And Method For Effectively PerformingEnhanced Mobile-Device Location Procedures” that was filed on Sep. 30,2009. The foregoing related Applications are commonly assigned, and arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for utilizing mobileelectronic devices, and relates more particularly to a system and methodfor effectively performing enhanced mobile-device location procedures.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for utilizing mobile electronic devicesis a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively implementingmobile devices may create substantial challenges for system designers.For example, enhanced demands for increased system functionality andperformance may require more device processing power and requireadditional device resources. An increase in processing or devicerequirements may also result in a corresponding detrimental economicimpact due to increased production costs and operational inefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedoperations may provide additional benefits to a device user, but mayalso place increased demands on the control and management of variousdevice components. For example, implementing an enhanced electronicdevice that effectively provides accurate device-location information toa device user may present certain difficulties because of theunpredictable differences in physical locations and operatingenvironments that may potentially be encountered.

Due to growing demands on system resources and the significantdifficulty in predicting the varying device operating conditions andenvironments, it is apparent that developing new techniques forimplementing and utilizing mobile electronic devices is a matter ofconcern for related electronic technologies. Therefore, for all theforegoing reasons, developing effective systems for implementing andutilizing mobile electronic devices remains a significant considerationfor designers, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronicdevices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device locationprocedures. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,an electronic system is configured to include at least one mobiledevice, a plurality of satellites, a plurality of base stations, alocation server, and a plurality of access points. The satellites may beimplemented as part of a global-positioning system to transmit satellitebeacon signals, such as Coarse Acquisition (C/A) signals. The basestations may be implemented as terrestrial wireless wide-area networkdevices that transmit pilot signals and receive GPS assistance data. Theaccess points may be implemented as wireless local-area network devicesto transmit access-point beacon signals, such as PHY Convergence LayerProcedure (PLCP) Preamble.

In one embodiment, the mobile device is initially powered-up, and asatellite reception feature is activated. In addition, the wirelesswide-area network (WWAN) functionality of the mobile device is alsoactivated. A satellite module of the mobile device then searches for anyavailable satellite beacon signals to identify currently-availablesatellites in the electronic network. The satellite module measures eachreceived satellite beacon signal for predefined signal characteristicsthat may include, but are not limited to, signal strength and signalquality. The satellite module may also determine which of the knownsatellites are not currently available for any reason.

The satellite module locally stores all measured data and statisticsfrom the available satellites as satellite information. A locationdetector of the mobile device determines whether a remote locationserver will be used to perform certain calculations and analyses duringthe current mobile-device location procedure. If the location serverwill be utilized during the current mobile-device location procedure,then the mobile device transmits the measured satellite information tothe location server by utilizing any effective means. For example, themobile device may wirelessly transmit the satellite information to thelocation server through one of the base stations.

In the present embodiment, a base station module of the mobile devicemay similarly search for any available base-station pilot signals toidentify currently-available base stations in the electronic network.The base station module measures each received base-station beaconsignal for predefined signal characteristics that may include, but arenot limited to, signal strength and signal quality. The base stationmodule may also determine which of the known base stations are notcurrently available for any reason. The base station module locallystores all measured data and statistics from the available base stationsas base station information. If the location server will be utilizedduring the current mobile-device location procedure, then the mobiledevice transmits the measured base station information to the locationserver by utilizing any effective means.

Next, the location detector, or any other appropriate entity (such asthe location server), analyzes the satellite information and the basestation information. In particular, the location detector or thelocation server may analyze satellite information to determine how manysatellites are currently providing valid satellite beacon signals to themobile device. The location detector or the location server thendetermines whether there are currently a sufficient number of availablesatellites to successfully perform an accurate mobile-device locationprocedure. In certain embodiments, the location detector may compare thetotal number of currently-available satellites with a predefined minimumsatellite threshold value.

If there are currently a sufficient number of available satellites tosuccessfully perform an accurate mobile-device location procedure, thenthe location detector or the location server may evaluate satelliteinformation and base station information to ensure that a systemconfiguration for successfully performing the current mobile-devicelocation procedure may be formed by utilizing only satellite(s) and basestation(s). If signal characteristics (signal strength, signal quality,etc.) of satellite information and base station information areinadequate, then the mobile device activates its wireless local-areanetwork (WLAN) functionality.

An access point module of the mobile device then searches for anyavailable access-point beacon signals to identify currently-availableaccess points in the electronic network and achieve the timesynchronization, thus the distance(s) to the access point(s). The accesspoint module measures each received access-point beacon signal forpredefined signal characteristics that may include, but are not limitedto, signal strength and signal quality. The access-point module may alsodetermine which of the known access points are not currently availablefor any reason. The access point module locally stores all measured dataand statistics from the available access points as access pointinformation. If the location server will be utilized during the currentmobile-device location procedure, then the mobile device transmits themeasured access point information to the location server by utilizingany effective means.

Next, the location detector or another appropriate entity (such aslocation server) utilizes certain predefined selection criteria forperforming a system-configuration analysis procedure on all storedinformation (satellite information, base station information, and accesspoint information) to determine an optimal system configuration forperforming the current mobile-device location procedure. In certainembodiments, the available system configurations include, but are notlimited to, a first configuration with only satellites, a secondconfiguration with any effective combination of satellite(s) and basestation(s), a third configuration with any effective combination of basestation(s) and access point(s), and a fourth configuration with onlyaccess points. Finally, the location detector may utilize the selectedoptimal system configuration for accurately determining the currentphysical location of the mobile device. For at least the foregoingreasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system andmethod for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device locationprocedures

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic system, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of an access point of FIG.1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the mobile device ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the MD memory of FIG. 3,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is one embodiment for a system configuration table, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6D present a flowchart of method steps for effectivelyperforming an enhanced mobile-device location procedure, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in the effectiveutilization of mobile electronic devices. The following description ispresented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention, and is provided in the context of a patent application andits requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodimentswill be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the genericprinciples herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles andfeatures described herein.

The present invention is described herein as a system and method foreffectively performing enhanced device location procedures to determinethe current physical location of a mobile device, and includes aplurality of satellites that wirelessly transmit satellite beaconsignals, a plurality of base stations that wirelessly transmit pilotsignals, and a plurality of access points that wirelessly transmitaccess-point beacon signals. A location detector of the mobile devicecoordinates a device location procedure by measuring the satellitebeacon signals, the pilot signals, and the access-point beacon signalsto generate corresponding satellite information, base stationinformation, and access point information. The location detectoranalyzes the satellite information, the base station information, andthe access point information to select an optimal system configurationfrom the most effective satellites, base stations, and access points.The location detector then utilizes the optimal system configuration toaccurately calculate the current physical location of the mobile device.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an electronic system 110 isshown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, electronic system 110 may include, but is notlimited to, at least one mobile device 114, a plurality of satellites118, a plurality of base stations 122, a location server 126, and aplurality of access points 130. In alternate embodiments, electronicsystem 110 may be implemented using various components andconfigurations in addition to, or instead of, those components andconfigurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment.

For purposes of illustration, the FIG. 1 embodiment is implemented withone mobile device 114, four satellites 118, two base stations 122, onelocation server 126, and three access points 130. However, in variousother embodiments, electronic network 110 may be implemented to includeany desired number (including zero) of the mobile devices 114,satellites 118, base stations 122, location servers 126, and accesspoints 130

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, mobile device 114 may be implemented as anytype of electronic device for which a current physical location mayadvantageously be determined and conveyed to a device user or otherappropriate entity. For example, in certain embodiments, mobile device114 may include, but is not limited to, a laptop computer device, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, or a globalpositioning system (GPS) device in an automobile or elsewhere.Additional details regarding the implementation and utilization ofmobile device 114 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS.3-6.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, satellites 130 include, but are not limitedto, a satellite A 118(a), a satellite B 118(b), a satellite C 118(c),and a satellite D 118(d) that are implemented by utilizing anyappropriate technologies to perform any desired functions or operations.For example, in certain embodiments, satellites 118 may be implementedas part of a known or enhanced global positioning system (GPS). In theFIG. 1 embodiment, satellites 118 typically transmit respectivesatellite beacon signals that mobile device 114 may receive and analyzeusing known location calculation procedures (such as trilateralizationand/or triangulation) to potentially determine a current physicallocation (such as longitude, latitude, and altitude information) formobile device 114.

However, in certain situations, mobile device 114 may be unable toreceive satellite beacon signals from a sufficient number of thesatellites 130 to successfully perform the location calculationprocedures. For example, mobile device 114 may be inside a building orother structure that prevents some or all of the satellite beaconsignals from reaching mobile device 114. Or one or more of the satellitebeacon signals may have insufficient signal quality characteristics. Toprovide additional signal sources from locations other than satellites130, the FIG. 1 embodiment may include a base station A 122(a) and abase station B 122(b) that are both implemented as terrestrial devicesthat transmit pilot signals that may be received by mobile device 114.As with the foregoing satellite beacon signals, mobile device 114 mayanalyze the pilot signals from base stations 122 using similar locationcalculation procedures potentially determine the current physicallocation of mobile device 114.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, base stations 122 may be implemented byutilizing any appropriate technologies to perform any desired functionsor operations. For example, in certain embodiments, base stations 122may be implemented as part of a known or enhanced wireless wide-areanetwork (WWAN) system by utilizing any appropriate technologies.Furthermore, in certain embodiments, satellites 118 and base stations122 may be implemented as part of a known or enhanced assistedglobal-positioning system (AGPS) network. In certain embodiments, basestations 122 may transmit pilot signals at transmission frequencies thatinclude, but are not limited to, 0.8 gigahertz or 1.9 gigahertz. Incertain embodiments, electronic network 110 may also include an optionallocation server 126 that mobile device 114 utilizes to perform varioustypes of calculations or processing functions to thereby conserveprocessing resources for mobile device 114.

However, in certain operating environments, mobile device 114 may stillbe unable to receive a satisfactory combination of satellite beaconsignals from the satellites 130 and pilot signals from the base stations122 to successfully perform the location calculation procedures toaccurately locate mobile device 114. For example, mobile device 114 maybe inside a concrete parking structure or a shopping mall that preventssome or all of the satellite beacon signals and pilot signals fromreaching mobile device 114. Or one or more of the satellite beaconsignals or base station pilot signals may have insufficient signalquality characteristics (signal strength, signal-to-noise ratios, etc.).

In accordance with the present invention, in order to provide additionalbeacon signals from signal sources other than satellites 130 and basestations 122, the FIG. 1 embodiment advantageously includes accesspoints 130 that are implemented as terrestrial devices that transmitaccess-point beacon signals to mobile device 114. As with thepreviously-discussed satellite beacon signals and pilot signals, mobiledevice 114 may also analyze the access-point beacon signals usingsimilar location calculation procedures to more accurately andeffectively determine the current physical location of mobile device114.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, access points 130 include, but are not limitedto, an access point A 130(a), an access point B 130(b), and an accesspoint C 130(c) that may be implemented by utilizing any appropriatetechnologies to perform any desired functions or operations. Forexample, in certain embodiments, access points 130 may be implemented aspart of a known or enhanced wireless local-area network (WLAN) systemusing any appropriate technologies. In certain embodiments, accesspoints 130 may be implemented according to WLAN standards that include,but are not limited to, any of the known 802.11 WLAN standards (such as802.11a. 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n). In addition, access points 130may transmit access-point beacon signals at transmission frequenciesthat include, but are not limited to, 2.4 gigahertz or 5.0 gigahertz.

In certain embodiments in which access points 130 are implemented aspublicly-deployed WiFi “hotspots” or other similar WLAN nodes/systems,the widespread presence of such WLAN networks provides a readyavailability of pre-existing potential access points 130 at many publiclocations. Additional details regarding the implementation andutilization of mobile device 114 and access points 130 in electronicsystem 110 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and5-6.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of a FIG. 1access point 130 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inthe FIG. 2 embodiment, access point 130 may include, but is not limitedto, an AP central processing unit (CPU) 212, an AP transceiver 214, anAP display 216, an AP memory 220, and one or more AP input/outputinterfaces (I/O interfaces) 224. Selected ones of the foregoingcomponents of access point 130 may be coupled to, and communicatethrough, an AP bus 228. In alternate embodiments, access point 130 maybe implemented using various components and configurations in additionto, or instead of, certain of components and configurations discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, AP CPU 212 may be implemented to include anyappropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferablyexecutes software instructions to thereby control and manage theoperation of access point 130. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, AP memory 220may be implemented to include any combination of desired storagedevices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory,such as floppy disks, flash memory, or hard disks. In the FIG. 2embodiment, AP I/O interfaces 224 may preferably include one or moreinput and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any requiredtypes of information for access point 130. For example, in the FIG. 2embodiment, access point 130 may utilize AP I/O interfaces 224 tobi-directionally communicate with any desired type of external entitiesto receive or send electronic information by utilizing any appropriateand effective techniques.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, access point 130 may utilize AP display 216for displaying any desired type of information by utilizing anyeffective type of display technologies. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, APtransceiver 214 may include any appropriate means for bi-directionallytransferring (transmitting and/or receiving) electronic informationbetween access point 130 and other devices by utilizing wirelesscommunication techniques. For example, access point 130 may utilize APtransceiver 214 to transmit any desired type of access-point beaconsignals to mobile device 114, as discussed above in conjunction withFIG. 1.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, AP transceiver 214 may generate certain typesof enhanced access-point beacon signals that include an enhancedacquisition code that mobile device 114 may then analyze to identify aparticular access point 130, and to evaluate signal qualitycharacteristics for that particular access point 130. In certainembodiments, the enhanced acquisition code may include, but is notlimited to, a pseudo-random number that has optimal cross-correlationfeatures. In certain embodiments, the enhanced acquisition code may besimilar to certain coarse/acquisition codes or “gold codes” that aresometimes utilized by satellites 118 as part of their satellite beaconsignals. Additional details regarding the implementation and utilizationof access point 130 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 6A-6D.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 mobile device 114 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.In the FIG. 3 embodiment, mobile device 114 may include, but is notlimited to, an MD central processing unit (CPU) 312, an MD transceiver314, an MD display 316, an MD memory 320, and one or more MDinput/output interfaces (I/O interfaces) 324. Selected ones of theforegoing components of mobile device 114 may be coupled to, andcommunicate through, an MD bus 328. In alternate embodiments, mobiledevice 114 may be implemented using components and configurations inaddition to, or instead of, certain of those components andconfigurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, MD CPU 312 may be implemented to include anyappropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferablyexecutes software instructions to thereby control and manage theoperation of mobile device 114. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, MD memory 320may be implemented to include any combination of desired storagedevices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory,such as floppy disks, flash memory, or hard disks. Additional detailsregarding the implementation and utilization of MD memory 320 arefurther discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 4.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, MD I/O interfaces 324 may preferably includeone or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmitany required types of information for mobile device 114. For example, inthe FIG. 3 embodiment, mobile device 114 may utilize MD I/O interfaces324 to bi-directionally communicate with any desired type of externalentities to receive or send electronic information by utilizing anyappropriate and effective techniques. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, mobiledevice 114 may utilize MD display 316 for displaying any desired type ofinformation by utilizing any effective type of display technologies.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, MD transceiver 314 may include any appropriatemeans for bi-directionally transferring (transmitting and/or receiving)electronic information between mobile device 114 and other devices byutilizing wireless communication techniques. In certain embodiments, MDtransceiver 314 may include, but is not limited to, a satellitetransceiver for communicating with satellites 118, a base stationtransceiver for communicating with base stations 126, and anaccess-point transceiver for communicating with access points 130.Additional details regarding the implementation and utilization ofmobile device 114 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS.4-6.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.3 MD memory 320 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inthe FIG. 4 embodiment, MD memory 320 includes, but is not limited to, anapplication program 412, a location detector 416, a satellite module420, a base station module 424, an access point module 428, satelliteinformation 432, base station information 436, and access pointinformation 440. In alternate embodiments, MD memory 320 may includecomponents and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain ofthose components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 4 embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, application program 412 may include programinstructions that are preferably executed by MD CPU 312 (FIG. 3) toperform various functions and operations for mobile device 114. Theparticular nature and functionality of application program 412 typicallyvaries depending upon factors such as the specific type and particularfunctionality of the corresponding mobile device 114.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, location detector 412 may be utilized tocoordinate and manage enhanced mobile-device location procedures todetermine a current physical location of mobile device 114 by utilizingany effective techniques. In certain embodiments, location server 126(FIG. 1) may also have a software module similar to location detector412 to remotely perform certain required processing functions.Additional details for utilizing location detector 416 are furtherdiscussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 5-6. In the FIG. 4 embodiment,satellite module 424 may be utilized to manage communications withsatellites 118 (FIG. 1). Similarly, base station module 424 may beutilized to manage communications with base stations 122 (FIG. 1), andaccess point module 428 may be utilized to manage communications withaccess points 130 (FIG. 1).

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, satellite information 432, base stationinformation 436, and access point information 440 may include any typesof measurements, data, or other information relating to respective onesof the satellites 118, base stations 122, and access points 130 (FIG.1). Examples of such information include, but are not limited to,presence/availability of satellite beacon signals, pilot signals, oraccess-point beacon signals, signal strengths, signal-to-noise values,signal quality characteristics, signal delays, etc.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the location detector 416 and the variousmodules 420, 424, and 428 are disclosed and discussed as beingimplemented as software. However, in alternate embodiments, some or allof these functions may be performed by appropriate electronic hardwarecircuits that are configured for performing various functions that areequivalent to those functions of the software modules discussed herein.The implementation and utilization of location detector 416 are furtherdiscussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 5-6.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a system configuration table 514 is shown, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the FIG. 5embodiment, configurations 1-4 (518(a-d)) are shown. In alternateembodiments, the present invention may be practiced using components andconfigurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of thosecomponents and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5embodiment.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, location detector 416 may select one of thesystem configurations 518 from system configuration table 514 to performmobile-device location procedures depending upon certain pre-determinedselection rules and selection criteria. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, thesystem configurations 518 include a configuration 1 (518(a)) in whichthe mobile-device location procedures are performed with only satellites118, and a configuration 2 (518(b)) in which the mobile-device locationprocedures are performed with any effective combination of satellite(s)118 and base station(s) 122.

In addition, the FIG. 5 system configurations 518 include aconfiguration 3 (518(c)) in which the mobile-device location proceduresare performed with any effective combination of base station(s) 122 andaccess point(s) 130, a configuration 4 (518(d)) in which themobile-device location procedures are performed with only access points130, and a configuration 5 (518(d)) in which the mobile-device locationprocedures are performed with any effective combination of satellite(s)118, base station(s) 122, and access point(s) 130. In certain otherembodiments, any other desired combination of satellites 118, basestations 122, and access points 130 may be utilized. For example, incertain embodiments, addition system configurations 518 may include, butare not limited to, a configuration 6 with any effective combination ofsatellite(s) 118 and access point(s) 130.

In accordance with the present invention, location detector 416 (FIG. 4)or other appropriate entity (such as location server 126 of FIG. 1) mayperform a system-configuration analysis procedure for electronic system110 to optimally select one or more of the system configurations 518 forperforming corresponding enhanced mobile-device location procedures. Inthe FIG. 5 embodiment, location detector 416 may select a systemconfiguration 518 based upon certain predefined selection rules andselection criteria that may be defined to include any effective andappropriate information.

For example, the system configurations 518 may each be assigned arespective priority value. The location detector 416 may evaluate whichsystem configurations 518 currently have available signal sources undercurrent operating conditions, and may then select the availableconfiguration 518 with the highest priority value. The foregoingpriority values may be assigned based upon any desired designconsiderations, including, but not limited to, total configuration powerconsumption of the various system configurations 518.

In certain embodiments, an optimal system configuration 518 may beselected to ensure the most accurate performance of the correspondingmobile-device location procedures. For example, location detector 416may evaluate signal characteristics of the different systemconfigurations 518, and then select the system configuration 518 withthe best evaluation score. The evaluated signal characteristics mayinclude any desired characteristics of the satellite beacon signals, thebase-station pilot signals, and the access-point beacons signals,including, but not limited to, signal strength and signal quality. Incertain embodiments, the foregoing signal characteristics may bemodified with corresponding respective weighting values before combininginto the final evaluation scores. Additional details for utilizingsystem configurations 518 are further discussed below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 6A-6D.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, a flowchart of method steps foreffectively performing an enhanced mobile-device location procedure isshown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theexample of FIGS. 6A-6D is presented for purposes of illustration, and inalternate embodiments, the present invention may utilize steps andsequences other than those step and sequences discussed in conjunctionwith the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D.

In the FIG. 6A embodiment, in step 614, mobile device 114 is initiallypowered-up, and a satellite reception feature is activated. In addition,the wireless wide-area network (WWAN) functionality of mobile device 114is also activated. In step 618, a satellite module 420 of mobile device114 searches for any available satellite beacon signals to identifycurrently-available satellites 118 (FIG. 1) in electronic network 110.In step 622, satellite module 420 measures each received satellitebeacon signal for predefined signal characteristics that may include,but are not limited to, signal strength and signal quality. Satellitemodule 420 may also determine which of the known satellites 118 are notcurrently available for any reason.

In step 626, satellite module 420 locally stores all measured data andstatistics from the available satellites 130 as satellite information432 (see FIG. 4). In step 630, a location detector 416 of the mobiledevice 114 determines whether a location server 126 will be used toperform certain calculations and analyses during the currentmobile-device location procedure. If location server 126 will beutilized during the current mobile-device location procedure, then instep 634, mobile device 114 transmits the measured satellite information432 to location server 126 by utilizing any effective means. Forexample, mobile device 114 may wirelessly transmit satellite information432 to location server 126 through base station A 122(a), as shown inFIG. 1. The FIG. 6A process then advances to step 638 of FIG. 6B throughconnection letter “A.”

In step 638, a base station module 424 of mobile device 114 searches forany available base-station pilot signals to identify currently-availablebase stations 122 (FIG. 1) in electronic network 110. In step 642, basestation module 424 measures each received base-station beacon signal forpredefined signal characteristics that may include, but are not limitedto, signal strength and signal quality. Base station module 420 may alsodetermine which of the known base stations 122 are not currentlyavailable for any reason.

In step 646, base station module 424 locally stores all measured dataand statistics from the available base stations 122 as base stationinformation 436 (see FIG. 4). In step 650, location detector 416 of themobile device 114 determines whether location server 126 will be used toperform certain calculations and analyses during the currentmobile-device location procedure. If location server 126 will beutilized during the current mobile-device location procedure, then instep 654, mobile device 114 transmits the measured base stationinformation 436 to location server 126 by utilizing any effective means.For example, mobile device 114 may wireless transmit base stationinformation 436 to location server 126 through base station A 122(a), asshown in FIG. 1. The FIG. 6B process then advances to step 658 of FIG.6C through connection letter “B.”

In step 658, location detector 416 of mobile device 114, or any otherappropriate entity (such as location server 126), analyzes satelliteinformation 432 and base station information 436. In particular, in step662, location detector 416 or location server 126 may analyze satelliteinformation 432 to determine how many satellites 118 currently providevalid satellite beacon signals to mobile device 114. Location detector416 or location server 126 then determines whether there are currently asufficient number of available satellites 118 to successfully perform anaccurate mobile-device location procedure. In certain embodiments,location detector 416 may compare the total number ofcurrently-available satellites 118 with a predefined minimum satellitethreshold value.

If there are currently an insufficient number of available satellites118 to successfully perform an accurate mobile-device locationprocedure, then the FIG. 6C process advances to step 670. However, ifthere are currently a sufficient number of available satellites 118 tosuccessfully perform an accurate mobile-device location procedure, thenin step 666, location detector 416 or location server 126 may evaluatesatellite information 432 and base station information 436 to ensurethat a system configuration 518 for successfully performing the currentmobile-device location procedure may be formed by utilizing onlysatellite(s) 118 and base station(s) 122. If signal characteristics(signal strength, signal quality, etc.) of satellite information 432 andbase station information 436 are adequate, then the FIG. 6C process mayadvance to step 694 of FIG. 6D through connection letter “D.”

However, if signal characteristics of satellite information 432 and basestation information 436 are inadequate, then in step 670 mobile device114 activates its wireless local-area network (WLAN) functionality. Inaccordance with the FIG. 6 embodiment, mobile device 114 thus conservesoperating power by only activating its WLAN functionalities if needed.In certain other embodiments, the WLAN feature of mobile device 114 maybe activated at the beginning of the FIG. 6 procedure, and steps 658,662, 666, and 670 may be omitted. The FIG. 6C process may then advanceto step 674 of FIG. 6D through connection letter “C.”

In step 674, an access point module 428 of mobile device 114 searchesfor any available access-point beacon signals to identifycurrently-available access points 130 (FIG. 1) in electronic network110. In step 678, access point module 428 measures each receivedaccess-point beacon signal for predefined signal characteristics thatmay include, but are not limited to, signal strength and signal quality.Access-point module 428 may also determine which of the known accesspoints 130 are not currently available for any reason.

In step 682, access point module 428 locally stores all measured dataand statistics from the available access points 130 as access pointinformation 440 (see FIG. 4). In step 686, a location detector 416 ofthe mobile device 114 determines whether location server 126 will beused to perform certain calculations and analyses during the currentmobile-device location procedure. If location server 126 will beutilized during the current mobile-device location procedure, then instep 686, mobile device 114 transmits the measured access pointinformation 440 to location server 126 by utilizing any effective means.For example, mobile device 114 may transmit access point information 440to location server 126 through base station A 122(a), as shown in FIG.1.

In step 694, location detector 416 or another appropriate entity (suchas location server 126) performs a system-configuration analysisprocedure on all stored information (satellite information 432, basestation information 436, and access point information 440) to determinean optimal system configuration 518 (FIG. 5) for performing the currentmobile-device location procedure, as discussed above in conjunction withFIG. 5. Finally, in step 698, location detector 416 may utilize theselected system configuration 518 for accurately performing themobile-device location procedure. The present invention thus provides animproved system and method for effectively performing enhancedmobile-device location procedures.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for performing a device locationprocedure in an electronic network, comprising: a plurality ofelectronic devices that wirelessly transmit device location signals; alocation server that provides support information from a referencedatabase to a mobile device; and a location detector that coordinatessaid device location procedure by measuring said device location signalsfrom an optimal configuration of said electronic devices to determine acurrent physical location of said mobile device.
 2. The system of claim1 wherein said plurality of electronic devices include satellites thattransmit satellite beacon signals, base stations that transmit pilotsignals, and access points that wirelessly transmit access-point beaconsignals.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said access points areimplemented with wireless local-area network technology aspublicly-deployed WiFi hotspots.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein saidlocation detector is implemented in said mobile device.
 5. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said location detector is implemented in said locationserver.
 6. The system of claim 2 wherein said location detectorgenerates satellite information by measuring said satellite beaconsignals, base station information by measuring said pilot signals, andaccess point information by measuring said access-point beacon signals.7. The system of claim 6 wherein said satellite information, said basestation information, and said access point information include signalstrength measurements and signal quality measurements.
 8. A system forperforming a device location procedure in an electronic network,comprising: a plurality of electronic devices that wirelessly transmitdevice location signals; a location server that provides supportinformation from a reference database to a mobile device; and a locationdetector that coordinates said device location procedure by measuringsaid device location signals to determine a current physical location ofsaid mobile device, said plurality of electronic devices includesatellites that transmit satellite beacon signals, base stations thattransmit pilot signals, and access points that wirelessly transmitaccess-point beacon signals, said location detector generating satelliteinformation by measuring said satellite beacon signals, base stationinformation by measuring said pilot signals, and access pointinformation by measuring said access-point beacon signals, saidsatellite information, said base station information, and said accesspoint information including signal strength measurements and signalquality measurements, said location detector analyzing said satelliteinformation, said base station information, and said access pointinformation to select an optimal system configuration from certain ofsaid satellites, said base stations, and said access points, saidlocation detector then utilizing said optimal system configuration todetermine said current physical location of said mobile device.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 wherein said location detector chooses said optimalsystem configuration from a group of predefined system configurationsthat include a first configuration with only said satellites, a secondconfiguration with any combination of said satellites and said basestations, a third configuration with any combination of said basestations and said access points, a fourth configuration with only saidaccess points, and a fifth configuration with any combination of saidsatellites, said base stations, and said access points.
 10. The systemof claim 8 wherein said location detector selects said optimal systemconfiguration based upon predefined selection criteria that includesignal transmission availabilities, assigned configuration priorityvalues, and signal evaluation scores.
 11. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid location detector activates a WLAN feature to detect saidaccess-point beacon signals only if said device location procedure cannot be accurately performed with said satellite beacon signals and saidpilot signals.
 12. A system for performing a device location procedurein an electronic network, comprising: a plurality of electronic devicesthat wirelessly transmit device location signals; a location server thatprovides support information from a reference database to a mobiledevice; and a location detector that coordinates said device locationprocedure by measuring said device location signals to determine acurrent physical location of said mobile device, said plurality ofelectronic devices include satellites that transmit satellite beaconsignals, base stations that transmit pilot signals, and access pointsthat wirelessly transmit access-point beacon signals, said locationdetector activating a WLAN feature to detect said access-point beaconsignals only if said device location procedure can not be accuratelyperformed with said satellite beacon signals and said pilot signals,said location detector activating said WLAN feature if an availablenumber of said satellites is less than a predefined minimum satellitethreshold value, and if an insufficient number of said pilot signals andsaid satellite beacon signals have measured signal qualities that areabove a predefined minimum signal-quality threshold value.
 13. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein said access points transmit said access-pointbeacon signals that include an enhanced acquisition code that saidmobile device analyzes to evaluate signal quality characteristics ofsaid access-point beacon signals, said enhanced acquisition code havingoptimized cross-correlation features.
 14. The system of claim 2 whereinsaid reference database includes base station identifiers for said basestations and access point locations for said access points.
 15. A mobiledevice for performing a device location procedure, comprising: alocation detector that coordinates said device location procedure bymeasuring satellite beacon signals from one or more satellites, pilotsignals from one or more base stations, and access-point beacon signalsfrom one or more access points to generate satellite information, basestation information, and access point information, said locationdetector accessing a location server to obtain source locationinformation for an optimal configuration of said base stations and saidaccess points, said location detector analyzing said satelliteinformation, said base station information, and said access pointinformation in light of said source location information to determine acurrent physical location of said mobile device.
 16. The mobile deviceof claim 15 wherein said location database includes a reference databasewith base station identifiers for said base stations and access pointlocations for said access points.
 17. The mobile device of claim 15wherein said satellite information, said base station information, andsaid access point information include signal strength measurements andsignal quality measurements.
 18. The mobile device of claim 15 whereinsaid location detector analyzes said satellite information, said basestation information, and said access point information to select anoptimal system configuration from certain of said satellites, said basestations, and said access points, said location detector then utilizingsaid optimal system configuration to determine said current physicallocation of said mobile device, said location detector selects saidoptimal system configuration based upon predefined selection criteriathat include signal transmission availabilities, assigned configurationpriority values, and signal evaluation scores.
 19. The mobile device ofclaim 15 wherein said location detector activates said WLAN feature ifan available number of said satellites is less than a predefined minimumsatellite threshold value, and if an insufficient number of said pilotsignals and said satellite beacon signals have measured signal qualitiesthat are above a predefined minimum signal-quality threshold value.